School of Night: “Fire Escape”

Darby Cicci, keyboardist for The Antlers, debuted his new solo project School of Night earlier this year with the synth-heavy ballad “Lying.” Now he’s back with another track from the upcoming self-titled EP ahead of its October 15th release. “Fire Escape” kicks off with layers of bubbling synths and a melancholic trombone melody. When Cicci’s emotive vocals come in, the wash of synths thins out and allows for a descending string line to run in counterpoint with the melody. This descending motif is later picked up by the guitar. The mixed textures of synths and orchestral instruments bring to mind Sufjan Stevens or Kishi Bashi, but Cicci’s music is slower, less frantic and more somber. With everything in a thick, intoxicating reverb, and a glorious hook of “keep your eyes on the road for me,” School of Night proves again how great this upcoming EP will be.

School of Night EP will be released on October 15th via Minus Green, which you can pre-order here.